PSVII-20 Heat stress alters reproductive phenotypic impacts of Zearalenone in pre-pubertal gilts

Abstract Zearalenone (ZEA) is an estrogenic mycotoxin produced by strains of Fusarium and is often inadvertently consumed via feed contamination. Heat stress (HS) occurs when heat accumulation exceeds heat dissipation resulting in increased body temperature. Independently, HS and ZEA cause swine reproductive dysfunction such as delayed puberty onset, altered circulating steroid hormones and irregular estrous cycles. During HS, gilts become hyperinsulinemic and insulin regulates hepatic and ovarian chemical metabolism. We hypothesized that during HS, ZEA-induced alterations to reproductive parameters are heightened such that HS is additive to ZEA-induced reproductive toxicity. Prepubertal crossbred gilts (n = 38) were randomly assigned to six treatment groups: thermal neutral (TN) ad libitum fed controls (TNCT; n = 6); TN + ZEA (2 ppm; TNZ; n = 6); pair-fed (PF) control (PFCT; n = 6); PF + ZEA (2 ppm; PFZ; n = 6); cyclical HS control (HSCT; n = 7); and HS + ZEA (2 ppm; HSZ; n = 7) for 7 d. Ovarian and uterine weights (g) were measured, and nipple and vulva diameters (l × w; mm2) were assessed by digital calipers. Ovarian weight was decreased (P = 0.04) in the PFZ relative to PFCT, but ZEA did not affect ovarian weight in the other groups (P > 0.73). There was no impact of ZEA exposure on uterine weight (P > 0.22) or nipple diameter (P > 0.51) in any treatment groups, respectively. There was no effect of ZEA on vulva size in either of the TN groups; however, vulva diameter increased (P = 0.04) in the HSZ relative to HSCT. These data suggest that HS exaggerates some ZEA-induced phenotypic effects in prepubertal gilts. This project was supported by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

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81 Zearalenone Affects the Ovarian Proteome During Heat Stress in Prepubertal Gilts

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab054.175 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 107-108

Author(s):

Crystal M Roach ◽

Edith J Mayorga ◽

Lance H Baumgard ◽

Jason W Ross ◽

Aileen F Keating

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Heat Stress ◽

Metabolic Pathways ◽

Heat Dissipation ◽

Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

Heat Accumulation ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Metabolic Heat ◽

Ad Libitum ◽

Seasonal Infertility

Abstract Zearalenone (ZEA), an estrogenic mycotoxin, causes hormonal disruption and reproductive dysfunction in pigs. Heat stress (HS) occurs when exogenous and metabolic heat accumulation exceeds heat dissipation; a scenario negatively impacting gilt reproduction. Our objective was to identify differentially abundant ovarian proteins in gilts exposed to HS +/- ZEA. We hypothesized that ZEA exposure would negatively impact the prepubertal gilt ovarian proteome and HS would be additive to ZEA-induced toxicity. Prepubertal gilts (n = 38) were assigned to one of six treatment groups: thermoneutral (TN) ad libitum control (TNCtl; n = 6); TN + ZEA (TNZea; 2 ppm; n = 6); pair-fed (PF) control (PFCtl; n = 6); PF+ ZEA (PFZea; 2 ppm; n = 6); cyclical HS control (HSCtl; n = 7); and HS + ZEA (HSZea; 2 ppm; n = 7). Gilts were subjected to TN (20 ± 1°C) or cyclic HS (35 ± 1°C for 12 h/31.6° for 12 h) conditions for 7 d. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed on ovarian protein homogenates. Exposure to ZEA altered (P < 0.05) abundance of 93 proteins in TN gilts (48 increased and 45 decreased). In PF gilts, ZEA increased 50 and decreased 47 proteins (P < 0.05). During HS, ZEA differentially affected (P < 0.05) 126 proteins: 58 increased and 68 increased. Pathways impacted by either HS or ZEA alone or in combination included cellular stress, metabolic pathways, and estrogenic pathways. Thus, ZEA and HS, either alone or in combination, impact the ovarian proteome in prepubertal gilts in ways that could contribute to seasonal infertility. This project was supported by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

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Heat stress during the luteal phase decreases luteal size but does not affect circulating progesterone in gilts1

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz251 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (10) ◽

pp. 4314-4322 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Katie L Bidne ◽

Matthew R Romoser ◽

Jason W Ross ◽

Lance H Baumgard ◽

Aileen F Keating

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Heat Dissipation ◽

Regulatory Protein ◽

Prostaglandin F2α ◽

Experimental Treatment ◽

Corpora Lutea ◽

Protein Abundance ◽

Serum Progesterone ◽

Estrous Cycles ◽

Seasonal Infertility

Abstract Heat stress (HS) occurs when heat dissipation mechanisms are insufficient to maintain euthermia, and it is associated with seasonal infertility (SI), which manifests as smaller litters, longer wean-to-estrus interval, increased abortions, and reduced conception rates. To understand HS-induced mechanisms underlying SI, crossbred post-pubertal gilts (167 ± 10 kg; n = 14) experienced either thermal neutral (TN, 20 ± 1 °C, n = 7) or cyclical HS (35 ± 1 °C for 12 h and 31.6 °C for 12 h, n = 7) conditions from 2 to 12 d post-estrus (dpe). Estrous cycles were synchronized via altrenogest administration for 14 d, phenotypic manifestation of estrus was observed and gilts were assigned to experimental treatment. Gilts were limit fed 2.7 kg daily with ad libitum water access. Blood was collected at 0, 4, 8, and 12 dpe via jugular venipuncture and animals were humanely euthanized at 12 dpe. The corpora lutea (CL) width were measured via digital calipers on both ovaries, and CL from one ovary were excised, weighed, and protein and steroid abundance analyzed via western blotting and ELISA, respectively. Relative to TN, HS increased (P < 0.01) rectal temperature and respiration rates and reduced (P < 0.01) feed intake. The CL from HS ovaries were reduced in diameter (P < 0.05) and weight (P < 0.01) relative to those from TN animals. No difference (P = 0.38) in CL or serum progesterone concentrations between groups was observed at any time point, though at 12 dpe the serum progesterone:CL weight was increased (P < 0.10) by HS. No treatment differences (P = 0.84) in circulating insulin were observed. Luteal protein abundance of steroid acute regulatory protein, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid, or prostaglandin F2α receptor were not different between treatments (P = 0.73). Taken together, these data demonstrate that the CL mass is HS sensitive, but this phenotype does not appear to be explained by the metrics evaluated herein. Regardless, HS-induced decreased CL size may have important implications to pig SI and warrants additional attention.

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Characterization of the effects of heat stress on autophagy induction in the pig oocyte

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology ◽

10.1186/s12958-021-00791-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Benjamin J. Hale ◽

Yunsheng Li ◽

Malavika K. Adur ◽

Aileen F. Keating ◽

Lance H. Baumgard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Oocyte Maturation ◽

Heat Dissipation ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Developmental Competence ◽

Potential Mechanism ◽

Heat Accumulation ◽

Autophagy Induction ◽

Cellular Components

Abstract Background Heat stress (HS) occurs when body heat accumulation exceeds heat dissipation and is associated with swine seasonal infertility. HS contributes to compromised oocyte integrity and reduced embryo development. Autophagy is a potential mechanism for the oocyte to mitigate the detrimental effects of HS by recycling damaged cellular components. Methods To characterize the effect of HS on autophagy in oocyte maturation, we utilized an in vitro maturation (IVM) system where oocytes underwent thermal neutral (TN) conditions throughout the entire maturation period (TN/TN), HS conditions during the first half of IVM (HS/TN), or HS conditions during the second half of IVM (TN/HS). Results To determine the effect of HS on autophagy induction within the oocyte, we compared the relative abundance and localization of autophagy-related proteins. Heat stress treatment affected the abundance of two well described markers of autophagy induction: autophagy related gene 12 (ATG12) in complex with ATG5 and the cleaved form of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3B-II). The HS/TN IVM treatment increased the abundance of the ATG12-ATG5 complex and exacerbated the loss of LC3B-II in oocytes. The B-cell lymphoma 2 like 1 protein (BCL2L1) can inhibit autophagy or apoptosis through its interaction with either beclin1 (BECN1) or BCL2 associated X, apoptosis regulator (BAX), respectively. We detected colocalization of BCL2L1 with BAX but not BCL2L1 with BECN1, suggesting that apoptosis is inhibited under the HS/TN treatment but not autophagy. Interestingly, low doses of the autophagy inducer, rapamycin, increased oocyte maturation. Conclusions Our results here suggest that HS increases autophagy induction in the oocyte during IVM, and that artificial induction of autophagy increases the maturation rate of oocytes during IVM. These data support autophagy as a potential mechanism activated in the oocyte during HS to recycle damaged cellular components and maintain developmental competence.

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One-generation reproduction toxicity study of Dithane M-45 (mancozeb) and lead acetate

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica ◽

10.1556/avet.50.2002.3.12 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 50 (3) ◽

pp. 365-371 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

L. Várnagy ◽

P. Budai ◽

E. Molnár ◽

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Lead Acetate ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Reproductive Toxicity ◽

The Body ◽

High Dose ◽

Lactation Period ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Body Weight Increase ◽

Dose Levels

The reproductive toxicity of lead acetate and of a fungicide formulation (Dithane M-45) containing 80% mancozeb was studied on rats. Lead acetate was applied in the feed in the following dose groups: control, 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 mg/kg of diet. The three treatment groups received, in addition to the above doses of lead acetate, 4,500 mg/kg Dithane M-45 in the diet. The method was based on the OECD Guideline for Testing of Chemicals No. 415 (1981). Clinical symptoms and mortality were not found in the parent generation. The body weight of female animals decreased significantly before the pregnancy period. This tendency was also seen in males after the combination treatment. At the two high dose levels a remarkable body weight increase was seen in the female animals during the lactation period. As a result of treatment, decreased body weight of offspring was measured during the lactation period. No gross pathological changes were seen. Histological examination showed general tubulonephrosis in the experimental animals. It can be established that the administration of Dithane M-45 did not enhance the reproductive toxicity of lead acetate.

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Effect of heat stress on carcass and meat quality of indigenous sheep of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.3329/bjas.v43i2.20717 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 43 (2) ◽

pp. 147-153 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

MS Rana ◽

MA Hashem ◽

S Akhter ◽

M Habibullah ◽

MH Islam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Meat Quality ◽

Carcass Characteristics ◽

Muscle Area ◽

Eye Muscle ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Indigenous Sheep ◽

Heat Treated ◽

Significant Difference

The research was conducted to study the effect of heat stress on carcass characteristics and meat quality in indigenous sheep. Nine sheep were divided into three groups which were almost similar in age, sex and weight. Three groups were divided as zero hour (T0), four hours (T4) and eight hours (T8) heat exposure to direct sunlight. During experimental period temperaturehumidity index (THI) value was calculated as 27.09 which indicated T4 and T8 groups were subjected to heat stress condition for at least four hours and eight hours respectively every day. Slaughter weight, body length and heart girth had no significant difference among the treatment groups. Dry matter, ash and ether extract had no significant difference (p>0.05) among the treatment groups but crude protein were increased with the increase of heat stress from T0 to T8 group (p<0.05). Drip loss was increased (p<0.05) in non-exposure group than treated groups but there is no significant result (p>0.05) found in pH and cooking loss. Carcass weight and eye muscle area had no significant difference (p>0.05) among the treatment groups but dressing percentage was decreased with the increase of time in heat treated groups (p<0.01). Significant difference (p<0.05) were found in weight of heart, kidney, lung + trachea and pluck between control and heat treated groups. The significant difference (p>0.05) in empty gut was found in gut with content and gut fill in heat treated groups. It can be concluded that heat stress had significant changes on carcass characteristics and meat quality of indigenous sheep.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v43i2.20717 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 43 (2): 147-153

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Redundancy in the central tachykinin systems safeguards puberty onset and fertility

10.1101/443333 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Silvia León ◽

Chrysanthi Fergani ◽

Rajae Talbi ◽

Serap Simavli ◽

Caroline A. Maguire ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Substance P ◽

Reproductive Success ◽

Sex Steroids ◽

Delayed Puberty ◽

Neurokinin A ◽

Neurokinin B ◽

Female Mice ◽

Gnrh Release ◽

Lh Release ◽

Puberty Onset

ABSTRACTThe tachykinin neurokinin B (NKB, Tac2) is critical for GnRH release. NKB signaling deficiency leads to infertility in humans. However, some patients reverse this hypogonadism resembling the fertile phenotype of Tac2KO and Tacr3KO (encoding NKB receptor, NK3R) mice despite the absence of NKB signaling. Here, we demonstrate that in the absence of NKB signaling, other tachykinins (substance P and neurokinin A [NKA], encoded by Tac1) may take over to preserve fertility. The complete absence of tachykinins in Tac1/Tac2KO mice leads to delayed puberty onset in both sexes and infertility in 80% of females (but not males), in contrast to the 100% fertile phenotype of Tac1KO and Tac2KO mice separately. Furthermore, we demonstrate that NKA controls puberty onset and LH release through NKB-independent mechanisms in the presence of sex steroids and NKB-dependent mechanisms in their absence. In summary, tachykinins interact in a coordinated manner to ensure reproductive success in female mice.

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Effects of increased ambient temperature and supplemental altrenogest prior to pregnancy establishment in gilts

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skac007 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Matthew R Romoser ◽

Katie L Bidne ◽

Lance H Baumgard ◽

Aileen F Keating ◽

Jason W Ross

Keyword(s):

Heat Stress ◽

Ovarian Tissue ◽

Economic Effects ◽

Mitigation Strategies ◽

Delayed Puberty ◽

Corpora Lutea ◽

Estrous Synchronization ◽

Conceptus Development ◽

Luteal Tissue ◽

Uterine Flushing

Abstract Heat stress (HS) mitigation strategies are critically needed to combat the substantial economic effects on animal agriculture. The manifestations of seasonal infertility include delayed puberty onset, reduced conception rates, decreased litter size, and increased wean to estrus interval. To assess the effects of HS during early gestation and evaluate a benefit of supplemental altrenogest (ALT) as a mitigation strategy, thirty crossbred post-pubertal gilts (157 ± 11 kg) were subjected to estrous synchronization via 14 d oral administration of ALT. Artificial insemination during estrus was performed and gilts were then placed into one of four treatment groups; heat stress (HS; 35 ± 1 οC for 12h/31.60 ± 1 οC for 12h) with (HSALT, n = 7) or without (HSCON, n = 7) 15 mg/d ALT supplementation or thermal neutral (TN; 20 ± 1 οC) conditions with (TNALT, n = 8) or without (TNCON, n = 8) 15 mg/d ALT supplementation until 12 d post-estrus (dpe). Administrating ALT occurred at 0600 h from 3-12 dpe and rectal temperatures (TR) and respiration rates (RR) were recorded. Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture on 0, 4, 8 and 12 dpe. Gilts were euthanized humanely at 12 dpe followed by collection of ovarian tissue, and uterine flushing for conceptus collection. In HS compared to TN gilts, RR and TR were increased (P < 0.01) but unaffected by ALT supplementation. Feed intake (FI) was reduced (P < 0.01) by HS but unaltered by ALT treatment. Corpora lutea (CL) weight was reduced (P < 0.01) in HSCON gilts when compared to TNCON and HSALT gilts despite progesterone (P4) concentrations in serum and luteal tissue not being affected by treatment (P ≥ 0.10). CL diameter was reduced (P ≤ 0.05) in HSALT gilts compared to other treatments. Interleukin-1β (IL1B) uterine flush concentration was not affected (P > 0.20) by environment or ALT supplementation, although moderate (P = 0.06) interaction between environment and ALT existed, as IL1B concentration in TNALT was increased (P = 0.03) compared to TNCON gilts. While environment did not affect conceptus development (P = 0.90), ALT supplementation advanced conceptus elongation (P < 0.01). Collectively, these data demonstrate that HS may affect luteal development prior to pregnancy establishment, and ALT increases conceptus elongation by12 dpe.

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Pertambahan Bobot Badan dan Waktu Pembusukan Daging Ayam Broiler yang Diberi Ekstrak Jaloh Dikombinasi dengan Kromium

Jurnal Agripet ◽

10.17969/agripet.v10i2.640 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 21-26

Author(s):

Sugito Sugito ◽

Erdiansyah Rahmi ◽

Azhari Azhari ◽

M. Isa

Keyword(s):

Drinking Water ◽

Body Weight ◽

Heat Stress ◽

Broiler Chickens ◽

Room Temperature ◽

The Body ◽

Feed Ratio ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Randomized Design ◽

Completely Randomized Design

The gain body weight and Spoilage of meat broiler which giving jaloh extract to combine with chromiumABSTRACT. A study was conducted on broiler chickens under heat stress to evaluate the effect of combined jaloh (Salix tetrasperma Roxb) extract with chromium mineral in the body weight, value of feed ratio conversion, and time to meat to become decomposed. Twenty four of 20-day old Cobb female broiler chickens were randomly assigned and divided to 4 treatment groups. Completely randomized design was used in this study. The treatments were as follows: 1) chickens given no heat stress and jaloh extract nor chromium (tCp); 2) chickens under heat stress without given jaloh extract nor chromium (Cp); 3) chickens under heat stress and given jaloh extract in 1.000 mg/lt drinking water (Cp+Ej); and 4) chickens under heat stress, given jaloh extract in 1.000 mg/lt drinking water, and chromium in 1.000 ug/lt drinking water (Cp+Ej+Cr). Heat stress given was 33 ± 1oC of cage temperature during 4 hours per day within 15 days. Jaloh extract and chromium treatments in drinking water were given at 2 hour before cage temperature reaching 33 ± 1oC and were stopped being given after 1 hour, when cage temperature back to room temperature. On the 16th day of the study chickens were measured before slaughtered. Samples obtained were chicken meat that taken from breast part (musculus pectoralis). The result suggested that either giving jaloh extract per se at the dose of 1.000 mg/lt in drinking water or combine it with chromium that given two hours before cage temperature reaching 33 ± 1oC, can prevent chickens from decreasing their body weight, decreasing value of feed ratio convertion, and extending time to meat to become decomposed.

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GABAB receptor antagonism from birth to weaning permanently modifies Kiss1 expression in hypothalamus and gonads in mice

Neuroendocrinology ◽

10.1159/000521649 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Marianne Bizzozzero Hiriart ◽

Noelia P. Di Giorgio ◽

Carlos Libertun ◽

Victoria A.R. Lux-Lantos

Keyword(s):

Arcuate Nucleus ◽

Gabab Receptor ◽

Seminiferous Tubules ◽

Testis Weight ◽

Hpg Axis ◽

Estrous Cycles ◽

Amino Butyric Acid ◽

Periventricular Nucleus ◽

Puberty Onset ◽

Ovulatory Follicles

Introduction: The kisspeptin gene Kiss1 is expressed in two hypothalamic areas: anteroventral periventricular nucleus/periventricular nucleus (AVPV/PeN) and arcuate nucleus (ARC), and also in gonads. Evidences suggest that gamma-amino butyric acid B receptors (GABAB) signaling can regulate Kiss1 expression. Here we inhibited GABAB signaling from PND2-PND21 and evaluated the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Methods: BALB/c mice were treated on postnatal days 2-21 (PND2-PND21) with CGP55845 (GABAB antagonist), and evaluated in PND21 and adulthood: gene expression (qPCR) in hypothalamus and gonads, hormones by radioimmunoassay, gonad histochemistry (H&E), puberty onset, estrous cycles. Results: At PND21, CGP inhibited Kiss1 and Tac2 and increased Pdyn and Gabbr1 in the ARC of both sexes and decreased Th only in female AVPV/PeN. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testis weight decreased in CGP-males and puberty onset was delayed. In adults, Kiss1, Tac2, Pdyn, Pgr, Cyp19a1, Gad1 were downregulated, while Gabbr1 was upregulated in the ARC of both sexes. In the AVPV/PeN, Kiss1, Th, Cyp19a1 and Pgr decreased while Gad1 increased in CGP-females, whereas Cyp19a1 increased in CGP-males. Serum FSH increased in CGP-males while prolactin increased in CGP-females. Testosterone and progesterone increased in ovaries from CGP-females, in which Kiss1, Cyp19a1 and Esr1 were downregulated while Hsd3b2 was upregulated, together with increased atretic and decreased ovulatory follicles. Testes from CGP-males showed decreased progesterone, increased Gabbr1, Kiss1, Kiss1r, Esr2 and decreased Cyp19a1 and clear signs of seminiferous tubules atrophy. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that appropriate GABAB signaling during this critical prepubertal period is necessary for the normal development of the HPG axis.

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Effects of Feeding Different Postbiotics Produced by Lactobacillus plantarum on Growth Performance, Carcass Yield, Intestinal Morphology, Gut Microbiota Composition, Immune Status, and Growth Gene Expression in Broilers under Heat Stress

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani9090644 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 644 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Humam ◽

Loh ◽

Foo ◽

Samsudin ◽

Mustapha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Ascorbic Acid ◽

Heat Stress ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Immune Status ◽

Basal Diet ◽

Intestinal Morphology ◽

The Other ◽

Mrna Expression Level ◽

Treatment Groups

The effects of feeding different postbiotics on growth performance, carcass yield, intestinal morphology, gut microbiota, immune status, and growth hormone receptor (GHR) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) gene expression in broilers under heat stress were assessed in this study. A total of 252 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned in cages in identical environmentally controlled chambers. During the starter period from 1 to 21 days, all the birds were fed the same basal diet. On day 22, the birds were weighed and randomly divided into six treatment groups and exposed to cyclic high temperature at 36 ± 1 °C for 3 h per day from 11:00 to 14:00 until the end of the experiment. From day 22 to 42 (finisher period), an equal number of birds were subjected to one of the following diets: NC (negative control) basal diet; PC (positive control) basal diet + 0.02% oxytetracycline; or AA (ascorbic acid) basal diet + 0.02% ascorbic acid. The other three groups (RI11, RS5 and UL4) were basal diet + 0.3% different postbiotics (produced from different Lactobacillus plantarum strains, and defined as RI11, RS5 and UL4, respectively). The results demonstrated that birds fed RI11 diets had significantly higher final body weight, total weight gain and average daily gain than the birds that received the NC, PC and AA treatments. The feed conversion ratio was significantly higher in the RI11 group compared with the other groups. Carcass parameters were not affected by the postbiotic-supplemented diet. Postbiotic supplementation improved villi height significantly in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum compared to the NC, PC and AA treatments. The crypt depth of the duodenum and ileum was significantly higher in NC group compared to other treatment groups except RI11 in duodenum, and UL4 in ileum was not different with NC groups. The villus height to crypt depth ratio of duodenum and ileum was significantly higher for the postbiotic treatment groups and AA than the PC and NC treatment groups. The postbiotic RI11 group recorded significantly higher caecum total bacteria and Lactobacillus count and lower Salmonella count compared to the NC and PC treatment groups. The Bifidobacterium population in the NC group was significantly lower compared to the other treatment groups. The postbiotic (RI11, RS5 and UL4) and AA treatment groups showed lower Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli counts and caecal pH than the NC and PC treatment groups. The plasma immunoglobulin M (IgM) level was significantly higher in the birds receiving postbiotic RI11 than those receiving other treatments. The plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) level was higher in the RI11 treatment group than in the NC, AA and RS5 groups. The plasma immunoglobulin A (IgA) level was not affected by postbiotic supplements. The hepatic GHR mRNA expression level was significantly increased in birds fed postbiotics RI11, RS5 and UL4, AA and PC compared to the NC-fed birds. Postbiotic RI11 led to significantly higher hepatic IGF-1 mRNA expression level compared to the NC, PC, and AA treatments. Mortality was numerically lesser in the postbiotic treatment groups, but not significantly different among all the treatments. In conclusion, among the postbiotics applied in the current study as compared with NC, PC and AA, RI11 could be used as a potential alternative antibiotic growth promoter and anti-stress treatment in the poultry industry.

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